How Long Should Dogs Eat Puppy Food?

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How Long Should Dogs Eat Puppy Food?

When raising a puppy, how long they should be on puppy food is a question that relatively few people ask until they start to really grow. Understanding how long should dogs eat puppy food will help you know when they will need to make the transition over to adult dog food.

When Puppies Start Eating Puppy Food?

About six to eight weeks old is when you they will start to make the transition from nursing to eating puppy food. To ease their digestive systems over to eating solid foods, mix the puppy chow with a milk substitute and gradually add more food over the next week or two until all that is left is the puppy food itself.

Keep in mind that not all puppies are alike, so they will make the change at their own rate. If after three or four weeks they still cannot stomach puppy food or they have a strong reaction, take them to the vet.

How Long Should Dogs Eat Puppy Food

There is no set time, but there are averages that depend on two factors, the size and breed of the dog. However, you will need to have them make the transition gradually just like you did when they switched from nursing to eating puppy chow. Start with a little adult dog food mixed heavily with puppy chow and gradually switch it over the course of a week or two so their digestive systems are not upset.

You will need to consult with your vet to know when you should expect the breed of your puppy to make the transition from puppy chow to adult dog food, but in terms of size there are some general rules you can follow.

Up to 30 Pounds:

Dogs of this size mature at a faster rate compared to their larger counterparts, so you will start to make the transition from puppy chow to dog food at the ten to twelve-month mark. Keep in mind that chihuahua and toy breeds in general tend to mature the fastest, so they may be ready at the ten-month mark to start eating adult dog food.

Up to 60 Pounds:

Here, the dogs tend to fully mature between one year and eighteen months. So, you will need to be ready when they stop growing and start needed adult dog food.

Up to 80 Pounds or More:

There are some larger breeds that take up to two years before they fully mature. Again, you’ll want to check with your vet to know when the breed is ready to be switched to adult dog food, but you’ll also notice when they stop growing which is a sign for change.

How Long Should Dogs Eat Puppy Food?

In the end, knowing how long should dogs

eat puppy food will mean that your dog will be healthier for consuming the right food at the proper time. Keep in mind that you will need to transition them slowly from puppy chow to adult dog food so their digestive systems will recognize and accept the change.

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How Long Should Dogs Eat Puppy Food?

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How Long Should Dogs Eat Puppy Food?When raising a puppy, how long they should be on puppy food is a question that relatively few people ask until they